Two Men Plead Not Guilty in IS-Inspired Plot Against Jewish Community

The UK is seeing the start of a significant terrorism trial at Preston Crown Court today, involving Walid Saadaoui (38) and Amar Hussein (52). The pair are accused of preparing an Islamic State-inspired attack targeting the Jewish community in northwest England. Alongside them is Bilel Saadaoui (36), charged not with active participation, but with failing to disclose information about the alleged plot. All three have pleaded not guilty. Reuters

Prosecutors allege that between December 2023 and May 2024, Saadaoui and Hussein plotted to purchase assault rifles, pistols, ammunition, and other weapons, smuggling them into the UK. The weapons allegedly included models similar to firearms used in high-casualty attacks elsewhere, such as the 2015 Paris attacks. The plan also included identifying mass gatherings of Jewish individuals for targeted attacks, and preparations to confront law enforcement if necessary. Reuters+1

One of the pivotal moments leading to the trial was a sting operation in which the men believed they were collaborating with someone named “Farouk” who shared their extremist beliefs. In reality, “Farouk” was an undercover operative working with counter-terrorism authorities. Reuters

Court proceedings revealed that Walid was caught with weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in May 2024, while additional weapons were due to be delivered before arrests were made. The prosecution described the potential impact as capable of causing “untold harm.” Reuters

While the case is serious and emotionally charged, Judge Mark Wall has underlined that it is not connected to the recent synagogue terror attack at Heaton Park, Manchester. The timing is coincidental, the judge stated, urging jurors to focus solely on the evidence at hand. Reuters

The trial is expected to last up to 12 weeks as prosecution presents its case via evidence including surveillance, communications, and materials related to weapon procurement and reconnaissance. Defense teams have challenged the prosecution’s claims and aim to prove lack of intent or capability to carry out the alleged plot. Reuters

Meanwhile, the case has sparked national concern over antisemitism, extremism, and the ability of intelligence operations to prevent large-scale attacks. Community leaders have called for further reforms in counterterrorism and policing, particularly protections for minority faith groups and earlier intervention strategies. The Guardian